The latest talks between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran in Vienna have ended in failure, and there are no fresh talks planned for the immediate future.

It is a diplomatic setback, agreement floundering on IAEA demands to enter and inspect the Parchin military facility, which Iran says compromises its national security.

“Discussions today were intensive but important differences remained between Iran and the Agency that prevented an agreement on this structured approach paper,” said IAEA delegation head Herman Nackaerts.

“We have to say that undoubtedly some progress in removing some ambiguities and differences has been made but still, as it was said, there are some differences because it is a very complex issue, and issues related to national security of a member state are something very delicate,” said Iran’s envoy to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh.

There had been hopes these talks would lead to the resumption of IAEA inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which many people suspect are being used to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is to generate power, and is peaceful.